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A Guide to Hiking Mount Irau Mossy Forest Cameron Highlands
Cameron Highlands is a popular destination in Malaysia, attracting throngs of local and international tourists every year. Its cooler climate makes it the perfect spot for holidaymakers wishing to escape from the tropical heat of the Malaysian lowlands.
While most people visit Cameron Highlands for its tea plantations and strawberry farms, there are some who prefer something a bit more challenging — climbing Mount Irau.
Standing at 2,110 metres above sea-level, Mount Irau is the highest mountain in Cameron Highlands and the 15th highest in Malaysia. But what makes it truly exciting is the unique flora and fauna you will see during the hike.
The trail will take you through a Mossy Forest, which — as the name suggests — is covered by layers of moss. Hiking the Mossy Forest will make you feel as though you just stepped into the set of the Lord of the Rings. It’s no surprise that it was ranked fifth place on Lonely Planet’s list of Most Instagrammable Forests in the World.



Table of Contents
Best Time to Hike Mount Irau
The Mossy Forest is closed to visitors in the monsoon season (November to January). Try not to go to Cameron Highlands at all around this time as the roads are prone to landslides during heavy rain.
For the rest of the year, Cameron Highlands enjoys pleasant weather, with the driest months being February, June, and July.
If you wish to stay away from big crowds, avoid weekends and public holidays, such as the Chinese New Year and mid-year school holidays.
The best time of the day to hike Mount Irau is in the morning, as that is when the Mossy Forest is cloaked in mist, which adds a dose of gloominess and mystery that is perfect for photos! Just remember to pack a sweater, as it gets a little chilly in the morning.
How to Get to Mount Irau
Cameron Highlands has no airport or train stations. The only way to get there is via the highland passes.



From Kuala Lumpur, it would take around 4 hours through long winding roads (prepare some medication if you’re prone to motion sickness). Avoid driving in the dark or when it’s raining as the roads can be treacherous.
If you don’t have your own car, there are frequent buses from major cities like Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, and Penang. However, to get from the town center to the start of the trail is quite complicated without your own transport.
You could try to arrange with a taxi to send and pick you up at an agreed time. Grab Car has recently started its operation in Cameron Highlands, so you could try your luck with that as well.
If you’re self-driving, Google “Mossy Forest (Entrance Point)“. A word of caution though: the road is very narrow, with many sharp turns and potholes. A 4WD would be better suited for this journey. And only consider this option if you’re a highly competent driver.
I joined a tour group, so all I had to do was turn up at the meeting point and wait for the transport to come pick me up.



How to Book a Tour to Mount Irau
If you’re staying in any of the hotel/hostel in Cameron Highlands, chances are they do organize private or group tours to Mount Irau. Otherwise, they should still be able to help you get in touch with a travel agent.
I wanted to have a confirmed reservation before I went to Cameron Highlands, so I booked in advance with Thrill Adventures (+60173570285). You could try searching online for other adventure companies to compare the prices.
Alternatively, you can book through online travel apps such as Klook. Some of these tours also include other stops, such as BOH Tea Center, the Butterfly Farm, and the Strawberry Farm.
If you’re not sure what Klook is, click here to read my honest review. The great thing about booking through this app is that you get to read what other travelers have had to say about the tours.
How Much Does It Cost to Hike Mount Irau?
Trekking Permit
In recent years, the Mossy Forest had been gaining popularity, and the uncontrolled flow of hikers had caused extensive damage to the delicate ecosystem.
Following this, the local authorities decided to regulate the number of visitors to the Mossy Forest. Since 1st March 2019, visitors are required to get a trekking permit from Pahang State Forestry Department. Only 100 permits are issued daily.
The fees are as follows:
MALAYSIANS
- Adult: RM 10
- Child (6 – 12 y.o.): RM 5
- Senior (60+ y.o.): RM 5
NON-MALAYSIANS
- Adult: RM 30
- Child: RM 15
- Senior: RM 30
Unfortunately, the permit application process is quite tedious, not to mention confusing. Firstly, the website is all in Malay, making it impossible for foreign visitors or non-Malay speakers to understand.
Secondly, it has to be done at least 2 weeks in advance. Once your application is approved, you will need to make the payment via money order. Like, who in this day and age still uses this archaic payment method?
And then you’ll have to print two copies of the approval letter to be shown at the entrance. If the idea is to deter people from visiting, I guess it’s working.
I’m still a bit unclear if this is really how things are done or if there is an easier way. So, if you have recently applied for a permit as an independent hiker, please share your experience in the comments below.
Can you go without a permit?
I’ve heard of some tourists who have found ways to dodge the fee and shared their tips online. Although I’m not a big fan of red tapes myself, I would advise against that.
Not only will you face strict action if caught, it’s also not cool to visit a place and break the local law.
Please don’t be that kind of tourist.
Tour Package
My tour package with Thrill Adventures cost me RM 140.
That was inclusive of:
- Mountain guide
- Trekking permit
- 4WD pickup (Brinchang – starting point – Brinchang)
- Packed lunch
- Sweeper
- Basic first aid
- Two-way radio communication set
Can You Climb Mount Irau Without A Guide/Tour?
Yes, hiking Mount Irau and the Mossy Forest without a guide is allowed, as long as you have the necessary permit (see above). The other purpose of this permit is to keep track of the number of visitors to ensure that everybody comes out safely.
Due to the nature of the Mossy Forest that is often gloomy and foggy, people do get lost. The tangled tree roots and branches may also cause injuries if one is not careful.



So, if you plan to hike alone or in a small group, make sure that at least one of you is an experienced hiker with good navigational skills and first-aid knowledge. Bring enough food and water (at least 2 litres per person), as well as other emergency equipment to prepare for any untoward circumstances.
On top of that, make sure you’re a confident driver before attempting to self-drive to the location. Always do proper research and check on the weather before you go.
What to Expect on Mount Irau Hike
I arrived in Cameron Highlands a day before the hike and stayed at a budget hotel in Tanah Rata. The meeting point was at Cameron Square, not too far away from where I was staying.
We gathered at 7 a.m. As usual, I was the only one who had come alone; the others were in twos and threes. But at least I was not crashing any big group’s party this time, like I did at Slim River, when I had to join some random office team-building program because I had no partner.
Once everybody was there at the square, we were handed our packed lunch and drinking water. Then, we squeezed in together at the back of the truck as it made its way past the green rolling hills and vast tea plantations.
By 8 a.m., we had arrived at the starting point, where we did some warming up before the hike.



There are three peaks along the trek: Mount Brinchang, Mini Irau, and Mount Irau. We were to start our hike from the peak of Mount Brinchang, heading toward Mini Irau.
As we stepped into the Mossy Forest, I instantly noticed how mystifying the terrain was — it was nothing like I had ever experienced before. For one thing, the ground that we stepped on wasn’t solid. It felt hollow and rather spongy, thanks to all the moss, mud, fungi, and layers of dead leaves that hadn’t had time to decompose.
The epiphytic moss did not only cover the ground, it also coated the trees — from their roots all the way to their branches. This, coupled with the ever-present fog, made the forest look like something out of a fairy tale — the spooky kind. It was also eerily quiet.
The trail continued to alternate from soft moss to large muddy puddles that would swallow your feet whole. Intertwined tree roots crisscrossed all over our path. We had learned quite early on to watch where we were stepping. Twice, I had had to fish out my shoes from the mud.
Along the way, you’ll get to feast your eyes on a vast array of flora and fauna, including ferns, orchids, pitcher plants, and — if you’re lucky — the rare Rafflesia. But I, for the most part, was too busy watching my step to look around much.



As we progressed through the forest, the trail gradually became more challenging with more vertical climbs, more mud, and bigger tree roots. At some of the steep inclines, someone had helpfully affixed ropes and ladders.
While in the beginning, we had dismissed the tree roots as mere obstacles, soon we began to realize that they could come in handy. To get us through the muddy spots, the tree roots had acted as strong footholds and handholds that we could step on and hang on to.
I was glad that the other group members weren’t the kind of super-athletes who like to treat everything as a race. We hiked at a reasonable pace and waited on each other if any one of us needed a break.
After about two and a half hours of trekking plus plenty of breaks and photo stops, we reached our destination: a large clearing called Mini Irau (also known as Irau False Peak), which stands at 2,030 metres above sea level.
To the left was a path that led onward to the real peak of Mount Irau, which would take another 1 hour or so. Unfortunately, the trail to Irau Peak was closed during our visit due to a landslide. The Pahang Forestry Department had declared it safe to climb only up to Mini Irau.
We stopped at the clearing to have our lunch and take more pictures.
At 1.30 p.m., we began our descent, which was not that much easier than the climb. But the weather had been kind to us throughout the day. Although not sunny, it didn’t rain, and the temperatures had been pleasantly cooling.
Before leaving, don’t forget to climb up the 50-metre-tall observation tower at the end of the trail.
Apparently on a clear day, you’d be able to enjoy spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and tea plantations, but it was all fog for me.
At 3.30 p.m., we arrived at the starting point, where our transport was waiting for us. On the way back to Cameron Square, we stopped for some photos at the edge of the tea plantation.



How Difficult is Climbing Mount Irau?
Mount Irau is considered a moderately difficult mountain to climb, with rough, uneven, muddy, and damp trails. Some parts will require you to climb steep rocks and ladders.
On top of that, the tangled webs of tree roots are often wet and slippery, which can easily cause unwary trekkers to slip and fall. A few cases had been nastier than the others and required the aid of rescue teams.
However, there is nothing too technical, and this hike is completely doable even for beginners with no hiking experience, as long as you’re a fairly fit and healthy person. The mild temperatures also made it less taxing.
From the beginning of the trail, it should take you around 2 hours to get to Mini Irau, plus another hour if you continue to Mount Irau Peak. In total, the entire hike would take approximately 7 hours including breaks and photo stops. It’s important to start early to avoid being caught in the dark.
What to Wear on Mount Irau
The temperatures on Mount Irau range between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius, depending on the weather and the time of the day. It may occasionally drop below 10.
Wear comfortable workout clothes and bring along a sweater, especially if you’re not used to cooler climates. Being a true Southeast Asian who can’t stand the cold, I wore two layers a long-sleeved T-shirts, including a Uniqlo HeatTech thermal wear and a pair of Uniqlo HeatTech leggings.
The most important thing to wear on Mount Irau is proper hiking shoes/boots. Due to the moss and mud, it can get pretty slippery in the forest. But be forewarned — your shoes will be unrecognizable by the end of the hike, so you may want to wear something you don’t mind getting dirty.
To be safe, especially if you’re hiking in the rainy season, bring a raincoat or waterproof jacket as well.
Other Things to Bring to Mount Irau
- If you book a tour package, it usually includes meals and drinking water (please check before booking). But it’s wise to pack extra water and some high-energy snacks with you, like chocolate or cereal bars to refuel yourself before, during, or after the hike.
- A hiking stick would be extremely helpful on this hike.
- A phone or camera.
- If you’re hiking independently, bring your own first-aid kit.
- An emergency blanket. Although it doesn’t happen often, people do get lost, either because of hiking without a guide or being separated from the group. You need to be able to keep yourself warm while waiting for help.
- A whistle and headlamp, in case of emergencies.
- Sunscreen – very important in Southeast Asia, and even more so at high altitudes, as you will be more exposed to the sun.
- A small daypack to carry all of the above and a waterproof bag for your electronics in case it rains.
Final Thoughts on Climbing Mount Irau
Is Mount Irau worth visiting?
Yes, I think Mount Irau is worth visiting. But personally, I would recommend joining a group tour rather than going it alone. Everything would be taken care of for you, including the trekking permit (which is the most troublesome of all), food, and transportation to and from the starting point.
Plus, the guide would show you all the interesting things to see in the forest that you might miss if you were on your own. And most importantly, going on a tour ensures that you will come out safely from the enchanted forest. Who knows what the evil tree roots and mud puddles might do to you otherwise?
Have you ever been to a mossy forest before? Share your experience in the comment section below.
Other hikes in Malaysia you may be interested in:
Laaa baru tau nak g mossy forest kena ada permit eh? Ingat kan bole masuk sesuka hati je 😅😅 tq ummi for da info
You’re welcome, Retna. Kalau ikut undang2, memang kena ada permit. Mungkin ada juga kot hiker yang pergi tanpa permit. Yang tu saya tak pasti dan tak sarankan. Sebab bukan saja boleh dikenakan tindakan, tapi bahaya.
Wow……..seronok I baca pengalaman you pergi hiking dekat Mount Irau. Hiking is a fun activity. Golly………I really miss hiking.
Thank you, Fadima. I’m not really an avid hiker. In fact, I don’t always find it fun, but the Mossy Forest was different. It was a pleasant hike. 🙂
I would get a tour and with a guide. I don’t want to get lost in the jungle – with its gloomy and mossy surrounding. I would feel safer with a group rather than alone.
Yes, that’s the best thing to do, Rawlins, especially if you’re not an experienced hiker. Even if you are, I would still advise against going alone.
Mount Irau ni ramai juga antara kawan-kawan Sis pergi hiking sini.. memang sekali Sis temgok ramai sekali group naik atas.. seronok tengok gambar-gambar mereka.. tapi ada certain Sis nengok gambar mereka upload dalam hutan tu, takut gakk huhuhu
Faham, sis. Kalau gelap waktu awal-awal pagi atau lewat petang, mungkin agak menakutkan sikit hutan ni. Sebab dia berkabus dan samar-samar. Dengan dahan dan akar-akar pokok yang melata dan penuh lumut, membuatkan hutan ni nampak macam haunted forest dalam fairy tale tu pulak. Tapi kalau pergi ramai-ramai ok. Sure tak takut punya. 😀
I have been planning to explore this Mossy forest the moment it went viral couple years ago but until now didn’t get a chance to do so.. normally we will go CH for short trip and most of the time, we are on the road 😛 Haha.. kena proper planning ni..
Yah, memang kena proper planning, Kitkat, sebab kena book dengan tour agent dulu. Kalau nak pergi sendiri, macam complicated pulak nak kena apply permit semua. Anyway, I hope you will try hiking there once the interstate travel ban is lifted. 🙂
Bestnya dapat pergi Gunung Irau. Harap sgt dapat pergi situ satu hari nanti. Mesti terpukau dgn mossy forest tu kan
Sangat terpukau, Nur Decamellia, sebab ni kali pertama saya tengok hutan yang macam ni. Selalu tengok hutan hujan tropika yang biasa tu je. Harap Nur pun akan dapat pergi ke Mossy Forest Gunung Irau nanti.
Bestnya, baru tau dekat cameron ada gunung macam ni Dah penat pergi minum air teh denagn sana..Kalau ade geng memang semua jadi..syok
Ok, nanti kalau Nadia pergi ke Cameron lagi, lepas dah puas minum2 teh tu, boleh la cuba ke Gunung Irau ni pulak. Contact Thrill Adventures kalau nak book trip. Solo traveler pun ok.
Tak sejuk ke dear … tanya sebab Kak Sal sejenis yang tak tahan sejuk. Tengok gambar masa hiking tu pun dah nampak kabus. Masa baca entry ni pun tetiba kesejukan…hahaha
Sejuk jugak, Kak Sal, tapi takde la sampai menggigil. Macam dalam bilik aircond je. Bila start hiking, dah tak rasa dah. Lagipun saya pakai thermal wear tu, memang untuk cuaca sejuk.
First time tahu pasal Mount Irau ni. Cantik tempat dia. Lama dah tak pegi jungle trekking
Saya pun dah lama, Marina. Dah lebih setahun dah ni. Setuju — Mount Irau memang cantik. Walaupun tak sampai puncak, tapi kat dalam Mossy Forest tu je pun dah cukup mengasyikkan. 😀
i have always wanted to visit this place but never really got the chance. cant wait for mco to end so i can!
Well, MCO has finally ended but let’s wait till interstate travel is allowed 🙂
wah thanks for the info..iena memang teringin sangat nak pergi ke Mossy Forest cameron highland ni.
You’re welcome, iena. Semoga bermanfaat. 🙂
one of place in my bucketlist. hope one day i can go hiking here..
I hope you will, Huda. Do bookmark this page for your future reference. 🙂
Hai sis, can i have contact no of the co which organise the hiking trip to mt irau
Hi, Abdul Raji. You can try contacting Thrill Adventures at this number: +60173570285 (Sophia)
This is one of the places that I really want to visit with my family one day. 🙂 Like you have said it is very, very beautiful
I hope you’ll take your family here once it’s safe to travel, Tekkaus! 🙂
didnt know about this beautiful Mt Irau until reading your story here, i used to hike many years ago, love the beautiful green of this Mt, hope to have chance to visit it in the future 😀 cheers, siennylovesdrawing
I hope you will, Sienny. The Mossy Forest at Mount Irau is really beautiful, I don’t think my photos did it much justice. You have to see it for yourself 😉
I just know about Mount Irau is the highest mountain in Cameron Highlands and the 15th highest in Malaysia. Alamak now I know.. why my geography subject is not A..haha.. tq for sharing this ummi
Haha, no worries, Ayu. We all learn something new every day. 😉
Thank you for sharing! Hopefully can go and play soon! Gotta bring my daughter go along!
You’re welcome, Jen! You definitely should. Just keep an eye on your little one. The trail is fun and interesting but can be treacherous too!
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Mount Irau! 1st tahu dan cantik nya view dia… Dah masuk dalam wishlist kak nina.
Ok, Kak Nina. Nanti after PKP, boleh la pegi. Cantik kan Mossy Forest Mount Irau ni, macam enchanted forest dalam fairy tale. 🙂
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Terima kasih Ummi kongsikan pengalaman hiking. Saya baru mencuba aktiviti hiking bersama isteri. Akan hiking dalam berkumpulan ke Gunung Irau 14/4/2023. Moga dipermudahkan.
Sama-sama, En. Nasir. Semoga dipermudahkan 🙂
really interesting & informative sharing.. thank you 😁
Thank you for your support, Zaihana. Glad you enjoyed the blog. 🙂
Unfortunately, the permit application process is quite tedious, not to mention confusing. Firstly, the website is all in Malay, making it impossible for foreign visitors or non-Malay speakers to understand.
what do u mean website is all in Malay? bahasa is primary languages of malaysia. They should get help or study the languages
this POST or Website really racist
Thank you for your comment, Malay Guy. I’m sorry that you found this article offensive, and that that’s the only takeaway you got from it.
First of all, I am a native Malay speaker and have lived all my life in Malaysia, so yes I am well aware that Bahasa Malaysia is the main language here.
What did I mean by “the website is all in Malay”? Exactly that. A statement of facts.
And yes, you are right — if a foreign tourist or non-Malay speaker wishes to apply for their own permit through the website, they will either have to get help or learn the language — which only validates my point that it can be a rather tedious process, hence my suggestion to book through an agent.
I hope this clarifies any confusion.